Palm Beach Glamour Poured Neat: Inside HMF at The Breakers

Assigned to create new magic, world-famous Tihany Design has brought an updated elegance to Palm Beach’s classic Breakers hotel. Among the public areas, HMF—named after Breakers founder Henry Morrison Flagler—is a bar evoking cocktail clubs of the ’50s and ’60s.

Music director Kirill Basov’s inventive playlists are engaging soundtracks of old and new sounds, befitting the HMF experience. HMF also supports The Breakers’ position as a recipient of Wine Spectator’s prestigious Grand Award—one of only three establishments to have maintained this honor since its inception in 1981.

Photo: Courtesy of HMF

Breakers Master Sommeliers Virginia Philip and Juan Gomez have curated more than 2,200 unique selections embodying global character and discerning nuance from the resort’s 55,000-bottle collection. Gomez acknowledged that Billecart-Salmon Brut Réserve is a favorite.

What to Order

Most cocktails are created to excite. As an example, The Debutante, which enchants with its vibrant personality and velvety balance, blends blanco tequila, St-Germain liqueur, creamy ripe avocado, and bright kiwi for a tropical lift. Reminiscent of the iconic whiskey sour, Smoke Show elevates the original recipe with aromatic flavors of yuzu and ginger syrup for a unique Asian-inspired twist.

Photo: Courtesy of HMF

Gomez states, “The deep, rich notes of the barrel-aged bourbon beautifully balance the bright citrus notes of the yuzu, while a finishing touch of smoked cherrywood adds a layer of complexity and intrigue.”

For snacking, light fare includes artisan cheese with membrillo, honeycomb and spiced cashews, Hong Kong dumplings, duck empanadas, and the ever-popular Wagyu beef sliders with smoked bacon and antique cheddar.

Photo: Courtesy of HMF

For the undecided drinker, Gomez recommends Railcar #91, an elegant interpretation of the sidecar, offering a fresh perspective on a beloved classic.

Named in honor of Flagler’s private railcar on the Florida East Coast Railway, this signature cocktail has graced HMF’s menu since the restaurant’s opening more than a decade ago. He explains, “The finesse of cognac blends beautifully with the brightness of fresh lemon juice, while the silky house-made orange foam adds a luxurious texture. A touch of local honey rounds out the profile, lending a gentle sweetness that lingers on the palate.”

Best For

Any type of rendezvous, as the posh and exuberant ambiance gracefully welcomes all who enter.

Verdict

This is the most elegant bar in Palm Beach County and one of the most beautiful in South Florida. Food and beverages are watched over with a discerning eye.
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